Electric search-light



(No Model.) v 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 R. M. HUNTER. BLBGTRIG SEAROH LIGHT.

N0. 503,602,. I Patented Aug. 22, 1893.

I )tnvenior- (No Model.) 2 SheetP-Shet 2;

R. HUNTER ELECTRIC SEARCH LIGHT.

No. 503,602. Patented Aug. 22, 1898.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RUDOLPH M. HUNTER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THETHOMSON-HOUSTON ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC SEARCH-LIGHT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 503,602, dated August22, 1893.

Application filed June 19, 1893. Serial No. 478,083. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, RUDOLPH M. HUNTER, of the city and county ofPhiladelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented an Improvement inElectric Search-Lights, of which the following is a specification.

My invention has reference to electric search lights, and consists ofcertain improvements which are fully set forth in the followingspecification and shown in the accompanying drawings which form a partthereof.

This application, Case No. 254, relates to certain improvements insearch lights of the character set out in Letters Patent N 0. 405,461,dated April 11, 1893, and also to improvements set out in myapplication, Serial No. 473,597, filed May 9, 1893, and moreparticularly comprehends certain improvements in the means for vibratingthe beam of light which has been projected and concentrated upon adistant object.

Broadly considered, it is immaterial to my invention what means areemployed for generating the intense beam of light, or what theparticular character of lens for concentrating and projecting the beamof light may be, as my invention is equally applicable to a case wherethe light is produced from other means than an electric current, thoughit is particularly adapted to an electric lamp since the means foroperating the vibrator is electric and would derive its power from thesame source as the lamp.

My improvement consists essentially in flexibly supporting the means forprojecting the rays of light in one direction to form a beam andcombining therewith electro-magnetic devices adapted to cause the saidprojecting devices to wabble or vibrate, and thereby cause the beam oflight to be vibrated horizontally, or both horizontally and vertically.The vibration of the means for projecting the rays of light would bevery slight as it is arranged immediately at the lamp, whereas the beamof light projected upon the distant object is many miles distant, andtherefore a small movement of the vibrator would produce an extendedmovement of the beam of light upon the object illuminated. My preferredform of projector is acondenser lens of any suitable construction andthis I support flexibly at a distance in front of the are, whichdistance maybe varied by suitable adjusting devices to concentrate thebeam of light upon objects at different distances, and this condenserlens I cause to wabble or vibrate by means of electro magnets arrangedin a suitable manner relatively to the condenser lens and so energizedbyan electric current as to cause different electro magnets to come intoplay at different times. The same motor which I employ to rotate thepositive carbon in the manner set out in my application, Serial No.473,597, hereinbefore referred to, I also employ to operate thecommutating device for causing proper vibration of the beam of light,though it is evident that separate means may be employed for thispurpose. I also provide suitable hand adjusted devices for varying theextent of the movement of the condenser lens or projecting device underthe action of the electro magnetic devices whereby the beam of light maybe vibrated to a greater or less extent as de' sired according as to theextent of the object to be illuminated.

My improvements also relate to certain details of construction ofthelamp proper, more particularly contemplating devices for feeding thecarbons relatively to each other for the purpose of maintaining an areat a definite position and in the focus of the condensing lens or othermeans of concentrating the rays of light. I

Thesevarious improvements will be better understood by reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which Figure l is asectional elevation throughmy improved vibrator showing its position relative to the carbons. Fig.2 is a front elevation thereof showing the electrical connectionswiththe are and the motor. Fig. 3 isa side elevation of a completesearch light with the surrounding casing removed. Fig. 4 is adiagrammatic View illustrating the various circuits of the lampcomplete; and Fig. 5 is an elevation of a detail illustrating thefeeding devices.

A is the positive carbon and B the negative carbon between which the arcis maintained. The positive carbon is held in a suitable clamp upon ahorizontally rotating shaft 1,

having a core 2 adapted to be drawn into a solenoid 3 against the actionof a spring 4.

The negative carbon B is supported in a vertically movable carriageclamp 12 movable upon vertical guides 11 and adapted to be movedvertically by means of a lifting cord 13 and a moving carriage 10, sothat the carbon B moves toward the carbon A at one half the velocitythat the carbon A moves toward the carbon B. This proportion may bevaried, if desired, by simply varying the relative diameters of thecarbons A and B. The carriage 10 supports the shaft 1, the solenoid 3,and the electric motor 0 for rotating the shaft 1, and is movablehorizontally upon the guides 5 carried in a frame 6. The frame 6 ispivoted upon a transverse axis 7, upon the support 8, movable about thevertical axis upon the base or pedestal 9. By this means the lamp properhas a universal movement upon its pedestal in the well known manner.

The carriage 10 has one end of the cord 13 secured to it, the said cordthen passing about a pulley at the rear of the machine, then upward overa pullcyat the top of the guide 11, thence downward under a pulley uponthe carriage 12, and thence upward to the top of the guide 11, where itis secured. This means causes the carriage 12 to move at a definitespeed vertically, relatively to a horizontal movement of the carriage10. The general principle of construction and operation of these partsis very similar to what is set out in my application, Serial No.$73,597, before referred to.

The rear end of the rod 1 is provided with a cone 18 which operatesagainst the arm 17 secured to a rock shaft 16, which rocksa trippingdevice let, which works in connection with a rack 15 upona frame 6 andcauses an intermittent feeding of the carriage 10 to the extent of onetooth of the rack 15 for each full movement of the shaft 1 and its core2 relatively to the solenoid 3, operating substantially in the manner ofthe well known Remington type writer in feeding its paper carriage uponthe main frame carrying the type bars. The feeding action only takesplace when the core 2 is moved as far to the right in the solenoid as itcan and when it is necessary to feed the carbons toward each other. Thefeeding action of the carriage 10 is therefore intermittent, but theaction of the solenoid 3 and its core 2 is sufficiently great to causethe proper regulation between the carbons to insure the constancy of thearc and maintain a substantially uniform light.

L is a frame extending through the guides 5 and is adjustably clamped bya clamp Z in any position desired, so as to adjust the condensing lens Enearer or farther relatively to the arc. Upon the ends of the frame L isa circular frame f. Arranged within this circular framefis a tubularframe 0 which is adjustable longitudinally therein in one direction bysprings G, and in the other direction bya nut I'I having a hand wheel h.Flexibly supported within the tubular frame 0 is an annular ring Dpreferably resting upon springs d, said annular ring carrying thecondenser lens E or a reflector indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

J are solenoids arranged about the condenser lens and supported by thetubular frame 0 There may be any number of these solenoids desired. Eachsolenoid is provided with a movable core K adapted to catchalcver Ipivoted to the frame F at one end, and connecting at the other end withthe annular ring D by a pin connection 2'. A spring 7; is employed tokeep the core K in connection upon the pivoted arm I. If the parts i,land K are hinged together, the springk might be dispensed with.

It will be observed that if the solenoid energizes the core K, thecorresponding part of the annular ring D will be forced in, compressingthe small spring d and thereby pull the condensing lens E. This actioncan be made to take place in sections about the condenser lens byenergizing the solenoids successively and thereby causing the condenserlens or concentrating device to wabble or vibrate. By turning the handoperated nut H, the frame C may be moved upon the frame]? to a greateror less extent, and as the pivots of the levers l are fixed, this willhave the tendency to alter the throw of the solenoids and vary theextent of wabble or vibration of the annular ring D and the device isthereby adjustable during this operation soas to vary the extent ofmovement of the beam of light over the object to be illuminated.

It is quite evident that the various details herein disclosed may bemore or less moditied,if desired,as the general principle would be thesame and would be included in my invention broadly considered.

0 is an electric motor and is carried upon the carriage 10 and bysuitable power devices is made to rotate the rod 1 carrying the positivecarbon A, in the manner set out and claimed in my a 'lplicatiomSerialNo. M31597. The shaft of the electric motor is provided with a portion Rreceiving current from a contact r. The brush passes over the fixedcommutator P, the sections of which are connected respectively with theseveral solenoids J by conductors p. All of the other terminals of thesolenoids are connected by a common return circuit m. The circuitleading to the solenoids is in parallel with the circuit M whichincludes the carbons A and B and the solenoid 3.

M is a source of electric energy of any suitable description.

N is the motor circuit for supplying current to the electric motor 0 andconnecting it in parallel with the arc and with the solenoids J. Themotor maybe regulated as to its speed by a regulator n of any suitabledescription and this regulator may also be employed to cut the motor outof circuit when it is desired to stop the vibration of the beam of lightor to stop the rotation of the carbon A. It is quite evident that bythrowing the belt between the motor 0 and shaft 1, the motor may beemployed to rotate only the commutator R.

A resistance changer M may be employed to control the power supply tothe solenoids J so as to vary their operation as desired. Thiscontroller M may also be provided with means to interrupt the circuitfor the purpose of throwing the solenoids out of action and permittingthe search light to be used in the ordinary way. In this case it wouldbe customary to adjust the lens E to separate the rays of light to covera larger area.

The various details may be greatly modified Without departing from theprinciples of my invention, and therefore I do not limit myself to thespecific mechanical structures illustrated.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an electric search light, the combination of an electric lampadapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate and direct the rays oflight from the arc, and electro magnetic devices thrown into actionsuccessively to cause the means for concentrating and directing the raysof light to wabble or vibrate.

2. In an electric search light, the combination of an electric lampadapted to maintain an arc, means to concentrate and direct the rays oflight from the arc, electro magnetic devices thrown into actionsuccessively to cause the means for concentrating and directing the raysof light to wabble or vibrate, and means controlled by the hand to varythe extent of the wabble or vibration.

3. In an electric search light, the combination of an electric lampadapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate and direct the rays oflight from the arc, electro magnetic devices thrown into actionsuccessively to cause the means for concentrating and directing the raysof light to wabble or vibrate, means controlled by the hand to vary theextent of the wabble or vibration, and a common support for the electriclamp proper and the means for concentrating and directing the rays oflight. v

4. In an electric search light, the combination of an electric lampadapted to maintain an arc, means to concentrate and direct the rays oflight from the arc, electro magnetic devices thrown into actionsuccessively to cause the means for concentrating and direct ing therays of light to wabble or vibrate, means controlled by the hand to varythe extent of the wabble or vibration, an electric motor, and acommutating device operated by the electric motor for throwing electricmagnetic devices at intervals into circuit with a source of electricalenergy.

5. In an electric search light, the combinationof an electric lampadapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate and direct the rays oflight from the arc, electro magnetic devices thrown into actionsuccessively, to cause the means for concentrating and directing therays of light to wabble or vibrate, means controlled by the hand to varythe extent of the wabble or vibration, an electric motor, a commutatingdevice operated by the electric motor for throwing electric magneticdevices at intervals into circuit witha source of electrical energy, andpower devices operated by the electric motor for rotating the positivecarbon of the electric lamp simultaneously With the position of thecommutating device.

6. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, and electro magnetic devicesthrown into action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to wabble or vibrate.

7. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, and means controlledby the hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration.

8. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the are, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to wabble or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, and a commonsupport for the electric lamp proper and the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light.

9. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to wabble or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, an electricmotor, and a commutating device operated by the electric motor forthrowing electric magnetic devices at intervals into circuit with asource of electrical energy.

10. The combination of a lamp and frame connected to the lamp andcondenser or equivalent, concentrating devices for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light from the lamp, an elastic or spring supportfor the condenser or concentrating devices, a series of electro magnetsarranged upon the frame and about the condenser or concentratingdevices, mechanical connections between the armatures of the electromagnets and the condenser or concentrating devices, and a source ofelectrical energy, and suitable commutating devices for energizing theelectro magnets for the purpose of making them operate to cause thecondenser orconcentrating devices to wabble or vibrate.

11. The combination of a lamp and frame connected to the lamp andcondenser or equivalent, concentrating devices for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light from the lamp, an elastic or spring supportfor the condenser or concentrating devices, a series of electro magnetsarranged upon the frame and about the condenser or concentratingdevices, mechanical connections between the armatnres of the electromagnets and the condenser or concentrating devices, a source ofelectrical energy and suitable commutating devices for energizing theelectro magnets for the purpose of making them operate to cause thecondenser or concentrating devices to wabble or vibrate, and means toadjust the condenser or concentrating devices relatively to the lamp.

12. The combination of a lamp and frame connected to the lamp andcondenser or equivalent, concentrating devices for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light from the lamp, an elastic or spring supportfor the condenser or concentrating devices, a series of electro magnetsarranged upon the frame and about the condenser or concentratingdevices, mechanical connections between the armatures of the electromagnets and the condenser or concentrating devices, a source ofelectrical energy and suitable commutating devices for energizing theelectro magnets for the purpose of making them operate to cause thecondenser or concentrating devices to wabble or vibrate, and adjustingdevices adapted to be controlled by the hand for operating the extent ofthe movement of the condenser or concentrating devices.

13. In a search light, the combination of the lamp with a condenser orconcentrating devices consisting of a frame, an annular ring flexiblysupported thereby, a condenser or concentrating device for the rays oflight carried by the annular ring, a series of electro magnets supported011 the circular frame and arranged about the condenser or concentratingdevices, and mechanical connections between the armatures of saidelectro magnets and the annular ring carrying the condenser orconcentrating devices, and means to energize the electro magnets atdifferent times to cause the annular ring to be vibrated.

Isl. In a search light, the combination of the lamp with a condenser orconcentrating devices consisting of a frame, an annuiar ring flexiblysupported thereby, a condenser or concentrating device for the rays oflight carried by the annular ring, a series of electro magnets supportedon the circular frame and arranged about the condenser or concentratingdevices, mechanical connections between the armature of said electromagnets and the annular ring carrying the condenser or concentratingdevices, means to energize the electro magnets at different times tocause the annular ring to be vibrated, a supporting frame for thecircular, and hand operated devices for moving the circular frame andthe annular ring bodily upon the supporting frame for the purpose ofvarying the extent of action of the several electro magnets.

15. In an electric lamp, the combination of two carbon holders adaptedto keep their carbons at an angle to each other, a common supportingframe provided with guides for the two carbon holders, a connectionbetween the two carbon holders consisting of a cord and pulleyssubstantially as set out, and means to keep one of the carbon holdersupports longitudinally upon its guides.

16. In an electric lamp, the combination of two carbon holders adaptedto keep their carbons at an angle to each other, acommon supportingframe provided with guides for the two carbon holders, a connectionbetween the two carbon holders consisting of a cord and pulleyssubstantially as set out, means to keep one of the carbon holdersupports longitudinally upon its guides, a solenoid and core for movingone of the carbons relatively to the other for maintaining thebrilliancy of the arc, and a connecting device between the core or itssupport and the feeding devices whereby the movement of the core or itssupport automatically operates the feeding devices at intervals tocompensate for consumption of the carbons.

17. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an arc, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, and hand controlleddevices for throwing the electromagnetic devices into or out of action.

18. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, and handcontrolled devices for throwing the electro magnetic devices into or outof action.

19. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, acommon supportfor the electric lamp proper and the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light, and hand controlled devices for throwingthe electro magnetic devices into or out of action.

20. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, an electricmotor for throwing electric magnetic devices at intervals into circuitwith a source of electrical energy, and hand controlled devices forthrowing the electro magnetic devices into or out of action.

21. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, and hand controlleddevices for varying the power of the electro magnetic de vices.

22. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to ooncentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc,

electro magnetic devices thrown into action successively to cause themeans for concentrating and directing the rays of light to wabble orvibrate, means controlled by the hand to vary the extent of the wabbleor vibration and hand controlled devices for varying the power of theelectro magnetic devices.

23. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the arc, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to wabblc or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, a common supportfor the electric lamp proper and the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light, hand controlled devices for varying thepower of the electro magnetic devices.

24. In an electric search light, the combination of a lamp for producingan intense light adapted to maintain an are, means to concentrate anddirect the rays of light from the are, electro magnetic devices throwninto action successively to cause the means for concentrating anddirecting the rays of light to Wabble or vibrate, means controlled bythe hand to vary the extent of the wabble or vibration, an electricmotor for throwing electric magnetic devices at intervals into circuitwith a source of electrical energy, hand controlled devices for throwingthe electro magnetic devices into or out of action, and hand controlleddevices for varying the power of the electro magnetic devices.

In testimony of which invention I have hereunto set my hand.

R. M. HUNTER.

I Witnesses:

ERNEST HOWARD HUNTER, O. M. DIETTERICH.

